Judge gives man chance for change

GREENVILLE - “I am ready to make a change in my life,” Bryan Houdeshell told the judge during Monday’s sentencing in the Darke County Court of Common Pleas.

The 27-year-old Greenville father of two was spared from a serving a second prison sentence after pleading guilty to two counts of Burglary, felonies of the third degree, in November.

Darke County Prosecuting Attorney Kelly Ormsby recommended that a prison sentence be considered by the court in the case since Houdeshell served a prior one year sentence in 2006 for robbery and broke into two separate homes to commit the current offenses.

“There is no doubt that Mr. Houdeshell has a very bad drug addiction problem,” stated defense attorney David A. Rohrer. “I expect that is he does not get help with his drug problem that he will not live to see his 30th birthday.”

“I understand the state’s position, but Bryan has never really had a good drug treatment program,” Rohrer added. “I would really like to see him evaluated for the MonDay Program, because I think he would be a good candidate.”

“My concern is this, he could go down and do a year in the penitentiary and get involved in crime and not get any help. I liked to see for the first time he get help for his drug problem,” Rohrer concluded.

Houdeshell’s family members also asked the judge to grant him treatment.

“You got a chance every day. You got a choice every day.” Judge Jonathan P. Hein told Houdeshell before announcing his ruling. “What it all boils down to is if you are committed.”

“You get your chance not to go back to prison,” Judge Hein continued. “Prison didn’t work last time, it just interrupted the drug use.”

“Mr. Ormsby is right in that sending you to prison for a year or two would protect the public. Then, $55,000 later you are not any healthier and your attitude is worse. So at age 27, let’s see if you can pull it out and make some progress in life. I’m not asking you to be perfect, but it has to be improvement,” Judge Hein concluded.

Houdeshell will remain in the Darke County Jail until he is evaluated for the MonDay Program in Dayton. He will be placed on a community control sanction for up to 60 months, is ordered to serve 80 hours of community service and pay restitution of $300 and court costs. If he fails or violates the orders, he faces 24 months in prison.